French National Team Prepares with Intensity for Upcoming Matches
The French national football team, known as 'Les Blues,' have been rigorously preparing at Clairefontaine for their upcoming matches. Following a double training session the previous day, the team had a lighter schedule on Monday. The day commenced with a luncheon with the President of the Republic, who delivered his customary encouragement. The session saw the presence of French captain Kylian Mbappé, just before the official announcement of his signing with Real Madrid.
Mbappé and Adrien Rabiot both participated in an intense training session on Sunday morning, but later engaged in indoor exercises due to minor ailments. Despite Mbappé’s strapped thigh and Rabiot’s recent heavy workloads, the management assured there were no significant health concerns. Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot had also notably missed his last club game against Monza, focusing instead on treatment.
The rest of the squad, comprising 19 players, had a technical-tactical training led by coach Didier Deschamps. The session included 'bullfights' and ended with penalty shots. AC Milan stars Olivier Giroud and Théo Hernandez arrived later in the evening, having been on tour in Australia.
Travel Plans and Upcoming Matches
In an interesting logistical decision, the team will travel to Metz by TGV on Tuesday morning in regular reserved cars. This is a first in the modern history of the A selection. However, post the friendly match against Luxembourg on Wednesday evening, they will return to Clairefontaine by plane to ensure optimal recovery.
The French team has a busy schedule ahead, with a match against Canada in Bordeaux on Sunday as part of their preparations for the Euro, which will be held from June 14 to July 14. Deschamps has allowed Real Madrid internationals Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy to join the team on Wednesday in Metz, following their recent Champions League victory.
- The daily training sessions at Clairefontaine have been notably intense since Thursday, with double sessions being the norm. These sessions are designed to be physically demanding in the mornings and focused on fieldwork in the afternoons.
- Right back Jonathan Clauss highlighted the rigorous nature of these sessions, stating, 'The sessions are doubled, two big sessions. It's usually physical in the morning and field in the afternoon. These are fast-paced days, but they wake up the body very well.'
